Strawberry Cookie Chips Icebox Cheesecake

Strawberry Cookie Chip Icebox Cheesecake

It just hit me: July 4th is a few short weeks away. How did this happen?

Well, that’s a dumb question. It’s not like I didn’t work hard for July 4th to become a reality. Months of commuting to work in the dark, sometimes in the ice, often in the rain. Months of teaching teenagers the difference between “it’s” and “its.” Months of wrapping myself up in a blanket at my desk when the heat in my classroom, once again, failed to deliver.

I mean, it dang well better be July 4th. And it better be icebox cheesecake weather. Because no-bake is definitely the way to go right now! Especially when this holiday-themed, easy dessert is filled with delicious Hannah Max cookie chips!

Strawberry Cookie Chip Icebox Cheesecake

July 4th is one of my favorite holidays. For one thing, it’s my annual hot dog indulgence. Once a year, I eat a super-burned, carcinogenic, mega-processed hot dog. And it’s on July 4th. Don’t worry, I balance all of that indulgence with lots of potato chips. And the real Heinz ketchup, not the sugar-free variety I usually have on the table year-round.

Strawberry Cookie Chip Icebox Cheesecake

It’s magnificent. What is better than standing out in the sun, hot dog on a wobbly paper plate, watermelon juice dribbling down your chin while you somehow balance a frozen margarita with your elbow? Not much beats that, I can tell you. And I can’t wait for this year’s bash.

We’ll be combining our July 4th celebration with my daughter’s birthday. Yep, she exploded into the world along with the holiday fireworks five years ago. The hospital was deserted and we bonded over two silent days of meal delivery and baby blankets. But this year, we’ll celebrate with hot dogs, birthday cake, and this icebox cheesecake!

Strawberry Cookie Chip Icebox Cheesecake

If you’re not familiar with icebox cakes, they’re made with cream (or Cool Whip, for unhealthy cheaters like me), and they’re layered with cookies or cake and kept chilled before serving. They’re delicious. This one is not only strawberry-flavored, but it also has a strong cream cheese base. Thus: icebox cheesecake!

Strawberry Cookie Chip Icebox Cheesecake

This recipe is, like most of mine, simple and quick. Layered into the cheesecake mixture are the original-flavored Hannah Max cookie chips, which my son was munching on as I made the cake. He couldn’t resist. They’re so addictive! And while a lot of icebox cake recipes call for dipping the cookies in milk before layering, I opted to keep my cookie chips nice and crisp. It makes for more texture contrast when you’re eating.

Strawberry Cookie Chip Icebox Cheesecake

The festive sprinkles and diced strawberries, along with crumbled cookie chips, make for the perfect July 4th finish. Creamy, crunchy and easy, this cookie chips icebox cheesecake is the best way to say goodbye to those dreary dark mornings. It’s time to kick off your summer!

Note: Hannah Max Cookie Chips provided a product for this post. All opinions are 100% my own.

 

Strawberry Cookie Chip Icebox Cheesecake

Ingredients

8-oz. block cream cheese, softened (I used light)
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1 and 1/2 cups diced strawberries, divided
8-oz. container Cool Whip (I used light)
1 bag Hannah Max original cookie chips
holiday sprinkles (optional)

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth. Set aside.
  2. Mash about 3/4 cup of diced strawberries roughly with a fork. Add to the cream cheese mixture and stir. Fold in 3/4 of the Cool Whip container and mix until no streaks remain.
  3. In a 9-inch round cake pan (you can also use a square pan if you want to cut into squares instead of wedges), spread a layer of the cheesecake mixture on the bottom. Place a layer of cookie chips on top, filling in all gaps with broken pieces of cookie chips. Repeat the process one more time.
  4. Take the remaining Cool Whip and spread it evenly on top. Crumble on remaining cookie chips, diced strawberries, and sprinkles (if desired).
  5. Chill overnight. If you prefer a cleaner cut, freeze the icebox cheesecake. It will be firmer in the freezer and creamier in the fridge.
http://justaboutbaked.com/strawberry-cookie-chip-icebox-cheesecake/

 

Mir

I fulfill many roles in life: wife, mother, teacher, everlasting learner. This site is dedicated to one role that expresses my creativity in ways that I find consistently challenging and rewarding: baker. Inventing new ways to enhance food, especially if that food involves chocolate or peanut butter (or both!), is a passion of mine. I look forward to sharing my ideas with you.

This Post Has 30 Comments

  1. Erin @ Miss Scrambled Egg

    Mir – I hope you get to enjoy the summer months to the best of your ability. I think the first way to do that is to eat a big old slice of this cheesecake. This cheesecake has it all! I can’t wait to try it.
    Erin @ Miss Scrambled Egg recently posted…Cucumber Tomato SaladMy Profile

    1. Mir

      I agree with you, Erin! I hope you enjoy your relative freedom, too. Still doing Starbucks, I guess?

  2. Gayle @ Pumpkin 'N Spice

    I can’t believe the 4th of July is almost here, either! And that’s exciting that it’s your daughter’s birthday! This cake looks like the perfect treat to celebrate with. I love the cookies and cheesecake combo, you can’t get much better than that!
    Gayle @ Pumpkin ‘N Spice recently posted…Asparagus and Bacon FrittataMy Profile

    1. Mir

      Thanks, Gayle! Her birthday timing was fun, even though we could not find a doctor or nurse anywhere to discharge us!

  3. Sues

    I have no idea how it’s practically the 4th of July either… But yes, we definitely all deserve some summer weather!! And this awesome-looking cheesecake, too!!
    Sues recently posted…Elote SaladMy Profile

    1. Mir

      Thanks, Sues! These holidays have a way of creeping up on us!

  4. Jasline (Foodie Baker)

    Ooh this cheesecake looks amazing, I like the idea of not dipping the cookies before layering, they stay crispier that way!
    Jasline (Foodie Baker) recently posted…Curry Chicken (Curry Powder Version)My Profile

    1. Mir

      Exactly, Jasline! Who wants a soggy cookie chip?

  5. Alice @ Hip Foodie Mom

    Mir!!! I know what you mean! like I can’t believe it’s already summer!!! We’re hosting a BBQ on July 4th so I need to get to planning! “Once a year, I eat a super-burned, carcinogenic, mega-processed hot dog.” this is why I love you so much! 🙂 and I’ll be eating a bunless dog. . so sad. . ok, I love that you are now the official Hannah Max Cookie Chips spokesperson!!! 🙂 look at you with all these fabulous recipes using their cookies!!! I love this icebox cheesecake!!!! so festive and perfect for the 4th!!!
    Alice @ Hip Foodie Mom recently posted…Baked Salmon Salad with Roasted PotatoesMy Profile

    1. Mir

      Love you too, Alice. 🙂 The bunless dog isn’t that bad, really. You’ll still get your carcinogens! I love Hannah Max, so I’m glad they are letting me have fun with their products!

  6. Mary Frances

    Hey hey congrats on this Hannah Max cookie gig! You did them full justice with this icebox cheesecake. Heck to the yes with a cream cheese base and then also crispier cookies (ain’t nobody got time for dipping cookies anyways … snacking is sooo much faster 😉 ) The 4th is second only to Christmas in my heart; I live for weekends at the lake. Here’s to a icebox cake filled summer!
    Mary Frances recently posted…Chocolate & Vanilla Swirled Banana Cream Pie ParfaitsMy Profile

    1. Mir

      It’s one of my faves too, Mary Frances, along with Thanksgiving. I love the lake. Need more time with that kind of weekend!

  7. Rachelle @ Beer Girl Cooks

    Girl, just reading that you commute to work in the dark made me want to cry! I’m so glad it’s summer vacation for you and you will soon be eating your only hot dog of the year. I don’t know how you do that, but it sure is a good thing that you balance it out with potato chips! I want to come to your party so I can have some of this delicious icebox cheesecake!
    Rachelle @ Beer Girl Cooks recently posted…Giveaway and Peach Ale Cherries with Chocolate Stout Whipped Mascarpone on Chocolate Pound CakeMy Profile

    1. Mir

      Yep, commuting in the dark is my specialty. I’m glad it’s on hold for two months! Thanks, Rachelle!

  8. Sam @ SugarSpunRun

    Wow you’re right, the 4th isn’t far away at all… crazy! Hopefully summer vacay doesn’t go by too quickly for you!
    This icebox cheesecake looks delicious, how perfect for a 4th of July party (speaking of which, how cool is it that your daughter gets fireworks for her birthday each year…. I’m jealous!)
    Sam @ SugarSpunRun recently posted…Cookie Dough Brownie TrufflesMy Profile

    1. Mir

      I know, right? I’d love fireworks on my birthday. She’s lucky. And she gets the best BBQ!

  9. Renee@Two in the Kitchen

    I just had the same revelation Mir! I can’t believe the 4th is only about 2 weeks away! This cheesecake is the perfect way to celebrate!!
    Renee@Two in the Kitchen recently posted…Patriotic Sugar Cookie BarsMy Profile

    1. Mir

      Thanks, Renee! I see you have a patriotic recipe too. I’ll have to check it out!

  10. Michele @ Two Raspberries

    are you serious! this looks wayyy better than an ice cream cake! I love the layers in this cheesecake and anything with cookies is a winner to me! … and omgee I know I can’t believe it’s already he 4th already? how does summer go SO fast now days and winter lasts foreverrrr! lol
    Michele @ Two Raspberries recently posted…Healthy Summer Toasted Quinoa Vegan -Gluten Free- Soy FreeMy Profile

    1. Mir

      I know. Why is winter so dang LONG?!

  11. Medha @ Whisk & Shout

    This looks crazy good! I’m so excited for the 4th 🙂
    Medha @ Whisk & Shout recently posted…{One}My Profile

    1. Mir

      Me too, Medha! Thanks! 🙂

  12. mira

    I just realized how close July 4th is! This ice box cake looks delicious! Love how easy it is! Perfect for a summer party!
    mira recently posted…Blender White Chocolate Pots De CremeMy Profile

    1. Mir

      Thanks, Mira! I know. The holidays are so sneaky!

  13. Harriet Emily

    Oh my gosh Mir, this looks so delectable!!! It’s making me so hungry right now. This is the perfect summer dessert, and I love the star sprinkles on top!!
    Harriet Emily recently posted…SPICY ROASTED VEGETABLE PASTAMy Profile

    1. Mir

      Thanks, Harriet Emily! The sprinkles definitely got points for being patriotic and adorable!

  14. Anu-My Ginger Garlic Kitchen

    OMG, Mir! I am drooling over these stunning, gorgeous and outstanding cheesecake! Loving everything about it! I would love to have a BIG slice right away!!! SO GOOD! 🙂
    Anu-My Ginger Garlic Kitchen recently posted…Yeast Free Instant Whole Wheat NaanMy Profile

    1. Mir

      Thanks, Anu! I wish I could share some. It’s in my freezer!

  15. GiGi Eats

    THIS RIGHT HERE = bomb for the summer BBQs and parties! But seriously – a hugeeeee crowd pleaser! 😀
    GiGi Eats recently posted…Pixar’s Inside Out Delivers… Pizza!My Profile

    1. Mir

      Thanks, GiGi! I hope it makes everyone happy!

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